Apparatus and method for golf training

ABSTRACT

Golf training aids are provided that maintain the positions of a golfer&#39;s left and right forearms relative to a golf club throughout one or more portions of the backswing, one or more portions of the downswing, and one or more portions of the follow-through. The golf training aids can comprise a connector, a first arm, and a second arm, and the first and second arms can each have a plurality of bends. The golf training aids teach a golfer to swing with proper form throughout a full swing by guiding the positions of the golfer&#39;s left and right forearms relative to the golf club by maintaining contact with the forearms throughout at least a portion of the backswing, downswing, and follow-through.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claimis identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the presentapplication are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57.

This application is the U.S. National Phase under 35 U.S.C. § 371 ofInternational Application PCT/US2016/064631, filed Dec. 2, 2016, whichclaims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/263,335, filedDec. 4, 2015, each of which are entitled “APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR GOLFTRAINING.” The disclosures of the above described applications arehereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to golf training aids and morespecifically to golf training aids configured to maintain the positionsof a golfer's left and right forearms relative to a golf club throughoutportions of a full swing.

BACKGROUND

In the marketplace, golf training aids are plentiful. However, such aidsare typically large and difficult to set up or use, or typically addressonly a portion of a golfer's backswing, downswing, or follow-through.Accordingly, a need exists for a compact and improved golf training aidthat teaches a proper swing by maintaining the positions of the golfer'sleft and right forearms relative to the golf club throughout portions ofthe backswing, downswing and follow-through.

SUMMARY

The systems, methods, and devices discussed herein each have severalaspects, no single one of which is solely responsible for its desirableattributes. Without limiting the scope of this invention as expressed bythe claims which follow, some features are discussed briefly below.After considering this discussion, and particularly after reading thesection entitled “Detailed Description,” one will understand theadvantageous features of this device.

In one aspect, a golf swing aid apparatus for use with a golf club tomaintain positions of a left forearm and a right forearm of a golferrelative to the golf club throughout one or more portions of abackswing, a downswing, and a follow-through is disclosed, the golf clubincluding at least a shaft and a grip. The apparatus can include aconnector configured to attach to the shaft or the grip and can have afirst receiver and a second receiver. The apparatus can include a firstarm having a proximal end, a distal end, and a first plurality of bendsdisposed therebetween, the proximal end being configured to couple tothe first receiver. The apparatus can include a second arm having aproximal end, a distal end, and a second plurality of bends disposedtherebetween, the proximal end being configured to couple to the secondreceiver. The apparatus can include a first contact member supported bythe distal end of the first arm and can be configured to contact theleft forearm. The apparatus can include a second contact membersupported by the distal end of the second arm and can be configured tocontact the right forearm. In one aspect, at least one of the firstplurality of bends and the second plurality of bends includes at least afirst bend, a second bend, and a third bend, the second bend beingdisposed between the first bend and the third bend.

In another aspect, a golf swing aid apparatus for use with a golf clubto maintain positions of a left forearm and a right forearm of a golferrelative to the golf club throughout one or more portions of abackswing, a downswing, and a follow-through is disclosed, the golf clubincluding at least a shaft and a grip. The apparatus can include aconnector configured to attach to the shaft or the grip and can have afirst receiver and a second receiver. The apparatus can include a firstarm having a proximal end, a distal end, and a first plurality of bendsdisposed therebetween, the proximal end being configured to couple tothe first receiver. The apparatus can include a second arm having aproximal end, a distal end, and a second plurality of bends disposedtherebetween, the proximal end being configured to couple to the secondreceiver. The apparatus can include a first contact member supported bythe distal end of the first arm and can be configured to contact theleft forearm. The apparatus can include a second contact membersupported by the distal end of the second arm and can be configured tocontact the right forearm. In one aspect, at least one of the firstplurality of bends and the second plurality of bends together form anS-shape.

In yet another aspect, a golf swing aid apparatus for use with a golfclub to maintain positions of a left forearm and a right forearm of agolfer relative to the golf club throughout one or more portions of abackswing, a downswing, and a follow-through is disclosed, the golf clubincluding at least a shaft and a grip. The apparatus can include aconnector configured to attach to the shaft or the grip and can have afirst receiver and a second receiver. The apparatus can include a firstarm having a proximal end, a distal end, and a first plurality of bendsdisposed therebetween, the proximal end being configured to couple tothe first receiver. The apparatus can include a second arm having aproximal end, a distal end, and a second plurality of bends disposedtherebetween, the proximal end being configured to couple to the secondreceiver. The apparatus can include a first contact member supported bythe distal end of the first arm and can be configured to contact theleft forearm. The apparatus can include a second contact membersupported by the distal end of the second arm and can be configured tocontact the right forearm. In one aspect, at least one of the firstplurality of bends and the second plurality of bends can include aplurality of inflection points arranged along a length of the respectivefirst or second arm so that a profile of the respective first or secondarm changes between a convex shape and a concave shape at each of theplurality of inflection points.

Details of one or more implementations of the subject matter describedin this specification are set forth in the accompanying drawings and thedescription below. Other features, aspects, and advantages will becomeapparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims. Note thatthe relative dimensions of the following figures may not be drawn toscale.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments will now be described with reference to the followingdrawings, which are provided by way of example, and not limitation.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a right-handed golfer addressing a ballwhile using a golf training aid apparatus coupled to a golf club, inaccordance with certain embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 except the golfer has begun abackswing and is at the point in the backswing where his wrists cock andthe golf training aid apparatus contacts his forearms.

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 except the golfer is halfway throughthe backswing.

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 except the golfer is at the top ofthe backswing.

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4 except the golfer is in a downswing.

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 except the golfer has hit the balland continued for a follow-through.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the golf training aid apparatus fromFIGS. 1-6 coupled to the grip of the golf club.

FIG. 8 is a front, top, right side perspective view of the golf trainingaid apparatus from FIG. 7 configured for a right-handed golfer.

FIG. 9 is a front, top, left side perspective view of the golf trainingaid apparatus from FIG. 7 with a position of a first arm switched with aposition of a second arm so as to configure the golf training aidapparatus for a left-handed golfer.

FIG. 10 is a right side plan view of the first arm of the embodimentshown in FIG. 8 coupled to a connector.

FIG. 11 is a right side plan view of the second arm of the embodimentshown in FIG. 8 coupled to a connector.

FIG. 12 is a bottom plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide golf training aids thatgolfers can use throughout fully executed golf swings, beginning withthe initial set-up (where the ball is addressed) and continuingthroughout the four stages of the swing itself (i.e., the backswing,downswing, contact, and follow-through) for both full swings and chipshots. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a golf trainingaid configured to maintain the positions of a golfer's left and rightforearms relative to a golf club throughout one or more portions of thebackswing, one or more portions of the downswing, and one or moreportions of the follow-through. The present disclosure also relates to agolf training aid configured to maintain the positions of a golfer'sleft and right forearms relative to a golf club in the address position.Embodiments of the present disclosure further improve wrist positioningof the golfer during his or her swing. Proper wrist positioning duringvarious portions of the golf swing is also referred to as wrist hinge orwrist cock. Thus, certain embodiments disclosed herein enable the golferto develop proper wrist hinge or wrist cock.

In an embodiment, the golf training aid can teach a golfer to swing withproper form throughout a full swing by guiding the positions of thegolfer's left and right forearms relative to the golf club bymaintaining contact with the left and right forearms throughout at leasta portion of the backswing, the downswing, and the follow-through. Forexample, in an embodiment, the golf training aid is configured tosimultaneously engage the left and right forearms of a golfer throughouta portion of the backswing, a portion of the downswing, and a portionthe follow-through (also referred to as contact arcs) for full swingsexecuted with proper form with irons, woods, and drivers.

In addition, in an embodiment, the golf training aid can teach a golferto swing with proper form throughout a chip shot (also referred to as achipping swing) by guiding the positions of the golfer's left and rightforearms relative to the golf club by contacting the left and rightforearms during the address position in addition to maintaining contactwith the left and right forearms throughout at least a portion of thebackswing, the downswing, and the follow-through. For example, in anembodiment, the golf training aid is configured to simultaneously engagethe left and right forearms of a golfer during the address position andthroughout a portion of the backswing, a portion of the downswing, and aportion the follow-through (also referred to as contact arcs) for chipshots executed with proper form with any club capable of chipping, suchas a pitching wedges, nine irons, and the like.

The simultaneous and continuous engagement of a golf training aid with agolfer's left and right forearms throughout portions of a properlyexecuted swing can help golfers develop proper form throughout fullswings with irons, woods, and drivers, and throughout chip shots withpitching wedges and other clubs capable of chipping, which can in turnimprove their hitting distance, accuracy, and consistency, as well asmake the game more enjoyable and fun. However, swinging a golf club iscomplex and proper form is difficult to achieve. To achieve proper form,a golfer must correctly position their body and the club throughout theinitial set-up and the four stages of the swing. For example, properform requires golfers to have the correct stance, which includes properspacing between the feet, proper bending in the knees, and propershoulder positioning, as well as the correct grip on the club, thecorrect arm positioning, and the correct body and club motion throughoutthe swing. Advantageously, the golf training aids described herein canhelp golfers with their body mechanics so that they can swing withproper form, or otherwise improved form.

Conventional golf training aids which contact and guide forearms do notguide the positions of a golfer's left and right forearms relative tothe golf club throughout portions of the backswing, the downswing, andthe follow-through (also referred to as the three active swing stages,or simply, the swing stages) for full swings with irons, woods, anddrivers, and do not additionally contact the golfer's left and rightforearms during the address position for chip shots with chipping clubssuch as pitching wedges, nine irons, and the like, such as, for example,by simultaneously and continuously engaging both forearms. In addition,conventional golf training aids do not provide arms that aresufficiently flexible in multiple directions and sufficiently rigid inmultiple directions to allow minor variations in forearm positioningwhile still maintaining proper overall form during golf swings, whetherfor full swings or chip shots. For example, conventional golf trainingaids may include an arm which simply bends in one direction when a loadis applied resulting in the arm being too far out of position tomaintain proper overall form during the full swing. As a result,conventional training aids only guide golfers through a portion of theirfull golf swing with irons, woods, or drivers, and only guide golfersthrough a portion of their chipping golf swing with pitching wedges andother clubs capable of chipping. For example, conventional training aidsmay only guide golfers through a portion of the backswing or thefollow-through, but not both, for either full swings or chip shots.Accordingly, apparatuses and methods are described herein for animproved golf training aid that can engage and guide both forearms of agolfer throughout a portion of each of the active swing stages,including the backswing, the downswing, and the follow-through for fullswings and chip shots, as well as the address position for chip shots.

FIGS. 1-6 illustrate a golfer using an embodiment of a golf training aidapparatus 100 coupled to a golf club 106 during various portions of afull swing. For example, FIG. 1 illustrates a right-handed golferaddressing a ball while using the golf training aid apparatus 100coupled to the golf club 106. In an embodiment, the golf club 106 shownin FIGS. 1-6 can be an iron, wood, or driver. As shown in FIG. 1, thegolf training aid apparatus 100 does not contact the golfer's forearmswhile addressing the ball. FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 except thegolfer in FIG. 2 has begun a backswing. In FIG. 2, the golfer is at thepoint of the backswing where he cocks his wrists and contact is madebetween the golf training aid apparatus 100 and his forearms. FIG. 3 isa view similar to FIG. 2 except the golfer is halfway through thebackswing. In FIG. 3, the golfer has kept his wrists cocked and the golftraining aid apparatus 100 continues to make contact with the golfer'sforearms. FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 except the golfer in FIG. 4is at the top of the backswing. In FIG. 4, the golfer's wrists are stillcocked and the golf training aid apparatus 100 continues to make contactwith the golfer's forearms. FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 2 exceptthe golfer is now in a downswing. In FIG. 5, the golfer's wrists arestill cocked and the golf training aid apparatus 100 continues to makecontact with the golfer's forearms. FIG. 5 shows the golfer at the pointof the downswing where his shoulders are square with the ball and he isdriving the club face toward the ball. In FIG. 5, the golfer's hands areshown leading the club face, which produces a whipping action of theclub that can help increase the force at which the ball is struck, andwhich can increase the distance the ball can be hit. FIG. 6 is viewsimilar to FIG. 5 except the golfer in FIG. 6 has hit the ball andcontinued for a follow-through. In FIG. 6, the golf training aidapparatus 100 is shown as no longer making contact with the golfer'sforearms, and the club face is now leading the hands. As shown in FIGS.2-5, the golf training aid apparatus 100 contacts the golfer's forearmsat the depicted portions of the swing, including the backswing and thedownswing. Although not shown, the golf training aid apparatus 100 alsocontacts the golfer's forearms during the follow-through, such as, forexample, the portion of the follow-through beyond the point shown FIG.6. Of course, the swing shown in FIGS. 1-6 is exemplary and non-limitingand the skilled artisan will appreciate that any other suitable swing isalso envisioned, including swings that embody different skill levels,such as, for example, beginner, novice, intermediate, advanced, amateur,professional, and the like. Further, the specific contact arcs where thegolf training aid apparatus 100 makes contact with the left and rightforearms of the golfer during their backswing, downswing, andfollow-through can differ among golfers, and can depend on golferphysiology, skill level, personal preferences, age, physical handicaps,and the like, among other factors.

The golf training aid apparatus 100 can contact both forearms during afull swing with an iron, wood, or driver at one or more portions of thebackswing, the downswing, and the follow-through. For example, incertain embodiments, the golf training aid apparatus 100 is configuredto contact both forearms during portions of a full swing except theaddress position, an arc of the backswing, an arc of the downswing, andan arc of the follow-through. For example, in certain embodiments, thegolf training aid apparatus 100 is configured to not make contact withboth forearms during a first portion of the backswing, as measured fromthe address position. In an embodiment, the point at which the golftraining aid apparatus 100 makes contact with both forearms depends onwhere and by how much the golfer cocks their wrists during thebackswing, among other factors. Similarly, in certain embodiments, thegolf training aid apparatus 100 is configured to not make contact withboth forearms during a last portion of the downswing and first portionof the follow-through. The aforementioned arcs of the backswing,downswing, and follow-through at which the forearms do not make contactcan vary widely depending on swing technique, placement of the golftraining aid, golfer physiology, skill level, and the like, amongothers..

In addition, in certain embodiments, the golf training aid apparatus canmake contact with both forearms during portions of a chip shot with apitching wedge, or any other suitable club capable of chipping, such as,for example, during the address position, throughout the backswing,throughout the downswing, during the ball strike, and throughout thefollow-through, so that the golf training aid apparatus maintainscontact with both forearms during the entire swing.

In any embodiment disclosed herein, the longer the golfer maintainscontact with the golf training aid during his or her swing, and thegreater the golfer cocks his or her wrists, the greater the lag betweenthe golfer's hands and the club face on the downswing. Lag between thegolfer's hands and the club face on the downswing can produce a whippingeffect that advantageously flexes the club to generate more powerfulswings that increase the distance of any ball strike. The embodimentsdisclosed herein advantageously help golfers develop, fine tune, andperfect swings that have a whipping effect.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the golf training aid apparatus100 shown in FIGS. 1-6 coupled to a grip 102 of the golf club 106. Incertain embodiments, the golf training aid apparatus 100 can also becoupled to a shaft 104 of the golf club 106. Although not shown in FIG.7, the golf training aid apparatus 100 can be rotated relative to thegrip or the shaft of the golf club and locked onto the golf club atdifferent rotational positions to change the club face position during aswing, such as, for example, the swing shown in FIGS. 1-6. This abilityto unlock and relock the golf training aid in different rotationalpositions can advantageously help train golfers to hit both fades anddraw shots, and can help accommodate golfers having a spectrum of gripstrength, whether strong or weak, or anything in between. In addition,the golf training aid apparatus 100 can be moved longitudinally up anddown the grip and/or the shaft of the golf club and then locked intoposition. This ability to longitudinally move the golf training aid upand down the grip and/or shaft of the golf club can advantageously allowthe golf training aid to be positioned closer or farther from thegolfer's hands to quicken or delay the point of engagement with the golftraining aid during the golfer's backswing shown in FIG. 2.Longitudinally adjusting the position of the golf training aid on thegolf club can also affect the amount of wrist cock shown in FIG. 2. Forexample, positioning the golf training aid closer or farther from thegolfer's hands can advantageously increase or decrease the amount ofwrist cock, respectively.

FIG. 8 illustrates the golf training aid apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 7decoupled from the grip of the golf club. As shown in FIG. 8, the golftraining aid apparatus 100 comprises multiple components intended to beassembled together. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the golftraining aid apparatus 100 comprises a connector 110, a first arm 120,and a second arm 130. In other embodiments, more or less than threecomponents are employed. For example, in certain embodiments, the golftraining aid 100 is manufactured as a unitary device by, for example, amolding or co-molding process. In other embodiments, each of the firstand second arms 120, 130 can comprise multiple components which areintended to be assembled together. For example, certain embodiments ofthe first arm 120 can comprise a shaft and a rest configured to becoupled to the shaft.

In the illustrated embodiment, the connector 110 is configured to bereleasably attached to a shaft or a grip of a golf club. The couplingbetween the connector 110 and the shaft is designed to prevent the golftraining aid apparatus 100 from pivoting or rotating about the shaft orgrip during a swing. The coupling is further configured to prevent thegolf training aid apparatus 100 from sliding along a central axis of theshaft or grip during the swing.

The connector 110 is further configured to receive the first arm 120 andthe second arm 130. In certain embodiments, the first and second arms120, 130 are releasable from the connector 110. Once released andremoved from the connector 110, a position of the first arm 120 can beswapped with a position of the second arm 130. In this way, the golftraining aid apparatus 100 can be configured for use by both left-handedgolfers and right-handed golfers. In the embodiment shown, the first andsecond arms 120, 130 are attached to the connector 110 to accommodate aright-handed golfer. However, in other embodiments, the first and secondarms 120, 130 can be attached to the connector 110 to accommodateleft-handed golfers, as shown in FIG. 9, which illustrates theembodiment from FIG. 7 in a left-handed orientation. For example, asshown in FIG. 9, the positions of the first and second arms 120, 130have been switched to configure the golf training aid apparatus 100shown in FIG. 7 for left-handed golfers.

The connector 110 illustrated in FIG. 8 includes a receiver 116 and areceiver 118. In certain embodiments, the connector 110 includes afastener 114. The receiver 116 is configured to receive and secure aportion of a first end 126 a of the first arm 120. Similarly, thereceiver 118 is configured to receive and secure a portion of a firstend 136 a of the second arm 130. In certain embodiments, the receivers116, 118 engage with their respective first and second arms 120, 130 bysliding the arm 120, 130 into the respective receiver 116, 118. Oncewithin the receiver 116, 118 in certain embodiments, a locking structure117 is employed to prevent the first and second arms 120, 130 frombacking out of the receivers 116, 118 during use of the golf swing aid100.

In the illustrated embodiment, a pin assembly forms the lockingstructure 117. As shown in FIG. 8, the locking structure 117 includes apin hole in receivers 116, 118 and two corresponding pins (not shown) tolock the first and second arms 120, 130 to the connector 110. In otherembodiments, the first and second arms 120, 130 engage securely with theconnector 110 via, for example, tight manufacturing tolerances so that alocking structure 117 need not be employed. For example, in certainembodiments, the first and second arms 120, 130 slide into and snap intoplace. Of course, other suitable connections are also envisioned andappreciated, such as interference fits and screw connections, amongothers.

As shown in FIG. 8, the connector 110 further comprises a clamp portionhaving a channel 112 and a fastener 114. Together, the channel 112 andthe fastener 114 are configured to secure an assembled golf training aidapparatus 100 to the golf club (not shown). The channel 112 can surrounda portion of the shaft or the grip of the golf club and the channel 112can be tightened or loosened around the club with fastener 114. Incertain embodiments, the channel 112 comprises a tapered opening toaccommodate the corresponding taper of the portion of the shaft or gripto which it fastened, although other suitable channel shapes are alsoenvisioned and appreciated. In certain embodiments, the fastener 114comprises a nut and a bolt, although other suitable fasteners are alsoenvisioned and appreciated.

The golf training aid apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 8 can be used with anygolf club which requires a full swing, such as, for example, irons,woods, and drivers. The connector 110 allows a user or instructor toposition and/or adjust the golf training aid apparatus 100 relative tothe golf club so the swing of the golfer using the golf training aidapparatus 100 is guided correctly. As discussed more fully above withreference to FIG. 7, the golf training aid apparatus 100 can be coupledto golf clubs at different rotational and/or longitudinal positions.

As shown in FIG. 8, the first arm 120 further comprises a second end126b to which a contact member 124 is integrally attached. Similarly,the second arm 130 further comprises a second end 136 b to which acontact member 134 is integrally attached. In certain embodiments, eachof the contact members 124, 134 have a curved shape. A profile of thecurved shape can be selected to conform to, cradle, or match an outersurface profile of the golfer's forearm. In certain embodiments, thecontact members 124, 134 include foam or other compressible material ata location where the contact members 124, 134 contact the golfer'sforearms to reduce any undesirable chaffing or rubbing of the contactmembers 124, 134 against the golfer's skin. In certain embodiments, thecontact members 124, 134 slightly wraps about the forearms so as toresist separation from the forearms. In certain embodiments, an adhesiveand/or strap is employed to resist separation. When a golfer maintainscontact between the golf training aid apparatus 100 and his or herforearms during at least portions of the golfer's backswing, downswing,and follow-through, according to certain embodiments of the presentdisclosure, the wrist positioning of the golfer during his or her swingis improved. Proper wrist positioning during various portions of thegolf swing is also referred to as wrist hinge or wrist cock. Certainembodiments disclosed herein enable the golfer to develop proper wristhinge or wrist cock.

For swings executed with proper form, the contact members 124, 134 (seeFIG. 8) each contact a forearm of the golfer throughout at least aportion of the golfer's backswing. The respective contact members 124,134 of the arms 120, 130 guide the golfer's wrist position relative tothe golfer's forearms during various portions of his or her golf swingin order to develop the wrist cock described above. For example, properwrist positioning during a portion of the golfer's backswing is achievedwhere both of the golfer's forearms maintain contact with the contactmembers 124, 134 when the golfer's left arm is approximatelyperpendicular to the ground while the shaft of the golf club isapproximately parallel to the target line of the golf shot, asillustrated in FIG. 2.

As a further example, proper wrist positioning in a later portion of thegolfer's backswing is achieved where the golfer's forearms maintaincontact with the contact members 124, 134 when the golfer's left arm isapproximately parallel with the ground while the shaft of the golf clubis approximately perpendicular to the target line of the golf shot, asillustrated in FIG. 3. By way of further example, proper wristpositioning in an even later portion of the golfer's backswing isachieved where the golfer's forearms continue to maintain contact withcontact members 124, 134 until the golfer reaches the end point of hisor her backswing, as illustrated in FIG. 4. By preserving contactbetween the golfer's forearms and the respective contact members 124,134 as described above, the golfer's wrists inherently and properly cock(e.g. hinge) during his or her backswing.

Swings executed with proper form also involve the contact members 124,134 contacting the forearm of the golfer throughout at least a portionof the golfer's downswing. Certain embodiments of the present disclosureenable the golfer to develop proper wrist cock (e.g. wrist hinge) duringthe backswing, as described above. Additionally, the embodimentsdisclosed herein enable the golfer to preserve the proper wrist cockfrom the top of the backswing until impact has occurred. By way ofexample, maintaining contact between the golfer's forearms and thecontact members 124, 134 during at least the initial portion of thedownswing yields the proper cocked wrist downswing. A proper cockedwrist downswing is important for achieving a golf swing with thedesirable whipping action described above. Further, by maintainingcontact between the golfer's forearms and the contact members 124, 134during at least the initial portion of the downswing, the golfer's handsinherently lead in front of the club face as illustrated in FIG. 5,which produces the proper and desirable whipping action duringsubsequent portions of his or her golf swing.

Additionally, swings executed with proper form involve the contactmembers 124, 134 contacting the forearm of the golfer throughout laterportions of the golfer's downswing and at impact. The aforementionedwhipping action occurs almost at, if not simultaneously with, impact,when the golfer releases his or her properly cocked (e.g. hinged) wriststo allow the wrists to reach a straight, unhinged positioning at impactthat is similar to the unhinged wrist positioning illustrated in theaddress positioning of FIG. 1. In some instances, it is advantageous forthe golfer to maintain the wrist cock through impact, such that contactmembers 124, 134 continue to contact at least one of the golfer'sforearms at impact. More commonly, a golfer's wrists should maintaintheir proper cocked position for as long as possible during thedownswing, which is achieved when the golfer's forearms maintain contactwith the contact members 124, 134 for as long as possible during thedownswing. As such, it is expected that in certain types of golf swings,a golfer's forearms may stop contacting the contact members 124, 134during later portions of the downswing and at impact, when the golfer'scocked wrists are released and the club face is driven into the golfball. Regardless, a golfer that maintains contact between the contactmembers 124, 134 and his or her forearms for as long as possible duringthe downswing will maximize the advantageous effects of proper wristpositioning (e.g. hinged wrists or cocked wrists) by generating thelargest possible whipping action in the downswing, which can help toincrease the force imparted on the golf ball at impact as well as theaccuracy of the golf shot.

Certain embodiments of the golf training aid apparatus 100 facilitateproper wrist positioning in the follow-through of the golfer's swing.For example, after impact, the golfer's left forearm should contact thecontact member 124 at the same time as or before the time that thegolfer's right forearm contacts the contact member 134, as illustratedin FIG. 6. In a further example, the golfer's right forearm may contactthe contact member 134 at the same time as or after the time that thegolfer's left forearm contacts the contact member 124. Regardless ofwhen the golfer's left forearm contacts the contact member 124 duringthe follow-through of the golf swing, the disclosed embodimentsencourage proper wrist positioning at the finish of the swing, at whichpoint both of the golfer's forearms should contact the contact members124, 134 if such contact has not already been made.

Each of the contact members 124, 134 contact a forearm of the golferthroughout a portion the golfer's backswing, downswing, andfollow-through. For example, FIGS. 1-6 illustrate a golfer using anembodiment of a golf training aid apparatus 100 during various portionsof a full swing with an iron, wood, or driver in which contact membersmaintain contact with the forearms of the golfer throughout portions ofthe backswing, downswing, and follow-through (also referred to ascontact arcs). In contrast, for improperly executed swings, one or bothof the contact members 124, 134 will not make contact with itsrespective forearm either throughout the swing or through one or moreportions of a contact arc. For example, while both contact members 124,134 are configured to make contact with one of the golfer's forearmsduring a portion of a properly executed backswing, one or both of thecontact members 124, 134 will not maintain contact with their respectiveforearm during any portion of the contact arc of the backswing that isimproperly executed.

Whenever a user or instructor observes or feels that one of the contactmembers 124, 134 ceases making contact with the respective forearm, thelack of contact indicates to the user or instructor that the swing wasimproperly executed at the location(s) without contact. The user and/orinstructor can then adjust the golfer's body and/or swing motion asnecessary to achieve proper form and maintain forearm contact with bothcontact members 124, 134 throughout the swing.

In an embodiment, the contact members 124, 134 are integrally attachedto the second ends 126 b, 136 b such that a plane tangential to a centerof the contact members 124, 134 is parallel to the terminal ends of thesecond ends 126 b, 136 b of the first and second ends 120, 130. Forexample, FIGS. 10-12 illustrate the contact members 124, 134 integrallyformed with the second ends 126 b, 136 b. As further shown in FIGS. 10and 11, the second ends 126 b, 136 b are generally perpendicular to anoutside center of the contact members 124, 134. For example, in someembodiments, the angles Θ_(C1), Θ_(C2) between contact members 124, 134and second ends 126 b, 136 b can be 90 degrees. In another embodiment,the planes tangential to the outside center of the contact members 124,134 are disposed at an angle Θ_(C1), Θ_(C2) relative to the plane thatruns parallel to the terminal ends of the second ends 126 b, 136 b, suchas for example, 80 degrees to 100 degrees, or any other suitable angle.

In a further embodiment, although not shown in FIG. 8, the golf trainingaid apparatus 100 further comprises two forearm sensors, one positionedon the contact member 124 and the other positioned on the contact member134. In such embodiments, the golf training aid apparatus 100 can emitan audio and/or visual indicator at a point during a swing where aforearm stops and/or starts making contact with the contact member 124,134 so as to help users and/or instructors identify the exact point(s)at which an improper swing begins and ends. The audio and/or visualindicator can be different for the two different contact members 124,134 to make it easier for users and/or instructors distinguish whichforearm(s) is(are) separating from the contact member 124, 134. Forexample, the two audio indicators can be two different sound pitchesemitted from a speaker and the two visual indicators can be twodifferently colored lights illuminated by light emitting diodespositioned on the golf training aid apparatus 100. In an embodiment, theforearm sensors are pressure sensors, proximity sensors, or any othersuitable sensor, and are electrically connected to a processor.

As further illustrated in FIG. 8, the first arm 120 and the second arm130 can each have one or more bends to provide the optimum balancebetween flexibility and rigidity. For example, as shown FIGS. 10 and 11,which illustrate right side plan views of the first and second arms 120,130 coupled to the connector 110 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, thefirst arm 120 can comprise three bends 122 a, 122 b, and 122 c and thesecond arm 130 can comprise three bends 132 a, 132 b, and 132 c, whereeach bend is marked at the center of its respective bend. In certainembodiments, inflection points lie between adjacent bends. For example,as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, inflection points 123 ab, 123 bc liebetween bends 122 a and 122 b and between bends 122 b and 122 c,respectively. Similarly, inflection points 133 ab, 133 bc lie betweenbends 132 a and 132 b and between bends 132 b and 132 c, respectively.In certain embodiments, the inflection points mark the points at whichthe first and second arms 120, 130 change concavity. For example, in oneembodiment, bend 122 a is concave, bend 122 b is convex, and bend 122 cis concave, as referenced from an upper surface of the first arm 120 asillustrated in FIG. 10. The changes in curvature between the illustratedbends occur at inflection points 123 ab and 123 bc. Similarly, in oneembodiment, bend 132 a is concave, bend 132 b is convex, and bend 132 cis concave, as referenced from an upper surface of the second arm 130 asillustrated in FIG. 11. The changes in curvature between the illustratedbends occur at inflection points 133 ab and 133 bc. Moreover, as shownin FIGS. 10 and 11, the first and second arms 120, 130 can have anS-shape as a result of having one or more bends. Of course, any othercurved and/or angled shaped is envisioned and appreciated. Theillustrated selection and arrangement of the sizes and shapes for thebends and other structures contribute to the desirable ornamentalappearance of the golf training aid apparatus 100.

Moreover, since each golfer can hold a golf club slightly differentlyand still achieve proper form, the illustrated bends 122 a, 122 b, 122c, 132 a, 132 b, and 132 c not only allow the first and second arms 120,130 to slightly flex to accommodate such differences, but also allowthem to slightly flex to accommodate the underlying variations amonggolfer physiologies that contribute to or cause such differences, suchas their height, arm lengths, and stance, among other variations such asuser and/or instructor preferences and/or habits. Such differences andvariations among golfers can potentially have an effect on theinteraction between the contact members 124, 134 and the golfer'sforearms while they are using the golf training aid apparatus 100. Forexample, such differences and variations among golfers can lead to theapplication of different compressive loads to the first and second arms120, 130 during a swing. As a result, it can be beneficial for the firstand second arms 120, 130 to be able to act as a spring and exhibit asmall degree of flexion. In addition, the spring-like ability of bends122 a, 122 b, 122 c, 132 a, 132 b, and 132 c also serves to make thegolf training aid apparatus 100 more comfortable during use. Forexample, the illustrated bends 122 a, 122 b, 122 c, 132 a, 132 b, and132 c allow the first and second arms 120, 130 to flex so that thecontact members 124, 134 do not get uncomfortably pushed into theforearms when golfers become more confident and begin swinging the clubwith greater force while using the device. By flexing, the bends 122 a,122 b, 122 c, 132 a, 132 b, and 132 c absorb some of the compressiveload produced during the swing, and thereby reduce the amount of forceby which the contact members 124, 134 push against the forearms. Incertain embodiments, the illustrated bends 122 a, 122 b, 122 c, 132 a,132 b, and 132 c bend along one or more of the bends in response toapplied compressive loads during a swing. In addition, when the firstand second arms 120, 130 flex along one or more bends, the length of thefirst or second arms 120, 130 is configured to decrease.

By the same token, the bends 122 a, 122 b, 122 c, 132 a, 132 b, and 132c also function to prevent excessive flexing in the first and secondarms 120, 130 so that the golf training aid apparatus 100 can guide thegolfer through a properly executed swing without sacrificing theintegrity of its intended purpose, the achievement of a fully executedgolf swing with proper form. For example, in an embodiment, while thebends 122 a, 122 b, 122 c, 132 a, 132 b, and 132 c provide flexibilityin the coordinate plane (denoted the flexibility plane) to which thefirst and second arms 120, 130 and corresponding forearms areapproximately coincident with during use, the bends 122 a, 122 b, 122 c,132 a, 132 b, and 132 c also provide rigidity in the coordinate plane(denoted the rigidity plane) perpendicular to the flexibility plane. Inan embodiment, the flexibility plane comprises the X-Y plane and therigidity plane comprises the X-Z and the Y-Z planes, although any twomutually perpendicular planes would be suitable as reference planes. Forexample, as described in more detail below with reference to dimensionsX₁ and Y₁ in FIG. 10, and with reference to dimensions X₂ and Y₂ in FIG.11, the first and second arms 120, 130 can flex so that X₁ and/or X₂increase during flexion and so that Y₁ and/or Y₂ decrease duringflexion. In certain embodiments, the first and second arms 120, 130 canflex at the bends 122 a, 122 b, 122 c, 132 a, 132 b, and 132 c, and canflex at the pivot point where the first and second arms 120, 130 leavethe receivers 116, 118, respectively.

The desired balance between the flexibility and rigidity of the trainingaid can be further accomplished by manufacturing the first and secondarms 120, 130, as well as the other components of the training aid, ofsuitable plastic, metal, or composite material that has the desiredcombination of flexibility and rigidity. Example materials includepolycarbonate and titanium, among others.

As further shown in FIG. 8, the first arm 120 is longer relative to thesecond arm 130 and the two arms are separated from each other by anangle Θ_(s) of approximately 43 degrees. Of course angle Θ_(s) need notbe 43 degrees in all embodiments. For example, in some embodiments,Θ_(s) can range from approximately 25 degrees to 60 degrees, such as,for example, 38 degrees, 39 degrees, 40 degrees, 41 degrees, 42 degrees,43 degrees, 44 degrees, 45 degrees, 46 degrees, 47 degrees, or 48degrees, although any other suitable angle between the first and secondarms 120, 130 is envisioned and appreciated. FIG. 12 further illustratesΘ_(s) from a bottom plan view of the perspective view shown in FIG. 8,as measured by the arc that extends between the centers of the first andsecond arms 120, 130.

Turning back to FIGS. 10 and 11, right side plan views of the first andsecond arms 120, 130 of the golf training aid apparatus 100 coupled tothe connector 110 are shown. In certain embodiments, the first arm 120extends from the connector 110 by approximately 9.6 inches, as measuredby line L₁, and the second arm 130 extends from the connector 110 byapproximately 6.8 inches, as measured by line L₂. As shown in FIGS. 10and 11, L₁ is measured along a straight line positioned between thecenter of the connector 110 and the distal end of the first arm 120, andL₂ is measured along a straight line positioned between the center ofthe connector 110 and the distal end of the second arm 130. In certainembodiments, the first arm 120 extends in two orthogonal directions(e.g., along X and Y Cartesian coordinate axes) from origin O byapproximately 5.0 inches and 8.2 inches (denoted X₁ and Y₁),respectively. During a swing, the first arm 120 can flex (also referredto as bend) so that X₁ increases and Y₁ decreases. For example, incertain embodiments, X₁ can increase up to 0.5 to 2.0 inches during aswing, and Y₁ can decrease up to 0.5 to 1.5 inches during a swing.Similarly, in certain embodiments, the second arm 130 extends in twoorthogonal directions (e.g., along X and Y Cartesian coordinate axes)from origin O by approximately 5.3 inches and 4.2 inches (denoted X₂ andY₂), respectively. During a swing, the second arm 130 can flex (alsoreferred to as bend) so that X₂ increases and Y₂ decreases. For example,in certain embodiments, X₂ can increase up to 0.5 to 1.5 inches during aswing, and Y₂ can decrease up to 0.5 to 1.5 inches during a swing. Inthe embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, the ratio between L₁ andL₂ is approximately 1.4. In addition, the first and second arms 120, 130extend from the connector 110 by angles Θ₁, Θ₂. In one embodiment,angles Θ₁, Θ₂ comprise approximately 58.5 degrees and 38.5 degrees,respectively. During a swing, the first and second arms 120, 130 canflex so that Θ₁, Θ₂ increase or decrease. For example, in certainembodiments, Θ₁ can range from 45 to 70 degrees during a swing, and Θ₂can range from 25 to 50 degrees during a swing. Of course, othersuitable lengths, distances, ratios, and angles are also envisioned andappreciated.

For example, Θ₁ and Θ₂ need not be approximately 58.5 degrees and 38.5degrees in all embodiments, the ratio between L₁ and L₂ need not beapproximately 1.4 in all embodiments, and X1, Y1, X2, and Y2 need not beapproximately 5.0 inches, 8.2 inches, 5.3 inches, and 4.2 inches in allembodiments. In certain embodiments, Θ₁ can range from approximately 45to 70 degrees and Θ₂ can range from approximately 25 to 50 degrees, theratio between L₁ and L₂ can range from approximately 1.2 to 1.6 withcorresponding suitable lengths for the first and second arms 120, 130,and X1, Y1, X2, and Y2 can range from approximately 4.0 to 6.0 inches,7.2 to 9.2 inches, 4.3 to 6.3 inches, and 3.2 to 5.2 inches,respectively. In some embodiments, the aforementioned dimensionsreferenced with respect to FIGS. 8 and 10-12 advantageously enableembodiments of the golf training aid apparatus 100 disclosed herein toproperly guide a golfer through a golf swing, including a portion of abackswing, a downswing, and a follow-through.

Various other modifications, adaptations, and alternative designs are ofcourse possible in light of the above teachings. Therefore, it should beunderstood at this time that within the scope of any appendedembodiments the invention may be practiced otherwise than asspecifically described herein. It is contemplated that variouscombinations or subcombinations of the specific features and aspects ofthe embodiments disclosed above may be made and still fall within one ormore of the inventions. Further, the disclosure herein of any particularfeature, aspect, method, property, characteristic, quality, attribute,element, or the like in connection with an embodiment can be used in allother embodiments set forth herein. Accordingly, it should be understoodthat various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can becombined with or substituted for one another in order to form varyingmodes of the disclosed inventions. Thus, it is intended that the scopeof the present inventions herein disclosed should not be limited by theparticular disclosed embodiments described above. Moreover, while theinvention is susceptible to various modifications, and alternativeforms, specific examples thereof have been shown in the drawings and areherein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that theinvention is not to be limited to the particular forms or methodsdisclosed, but to the contrary, the invention is to cover allmodifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spiritand scope of the various embodiments described and the appendedembodiments. Numbers preceded by a term such as “approximately”,“about”, and “substantially” as used herein include the recited numbers(e.g., about 10%=10%), and also represent an amount close to the statedamount that still performs a desired function or achieves a desiredresult. For example, the terms “approximately”, “about”, and“substantially” may refer to an amount that is within less than 10% of,within less than 5% of, within less than 1% of, within less than 0.1%of, and within less than 0.01% of the stated amount.

While the foregoing is directed to aspects of the present disclosure,other and further aspects of the disclosure may be devised withoutdeparting from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof isdetermined by the claims that follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. A golf swing aid apparatus for use with a golfclub to maintain positions of a left forearm and a right forearm of agolfer relative to the golf club throughout one or portions of abackswing, a downswing, and a follow-through, the golf club including atleast a shaft and a grip, the apparatus comprising: a connectorconfigured to attach to the shaft or the grip and having a firstreceiver and a second receiver; a first arm having a proximal end, adistal end, and a first plurality of bends disposed therebetween, theproximal end being configured to couple to the first receiver; a secondarm having a proximal end, a distal end, and a second plurality of bendsdisposed therebetween, the proximal end being configured to couple tothe second receiver; a first contact member supported by the distal endof the first arm and configured to contact the left forearm; and asecond contact member supported by the distal end of the second arm andconfigured to contact the right forearm, at least one of the firstplurality of bends and the second plurality of bends including at leasta first bend, a second bend, and a third bend, the second bend beingdisposed between the first bend and the third bend.
 2. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein a first location between the first bend and the secondbend defines a first inflection point, and wherein a second locationbetween the second bend and the third bend defines a second inflectionpoint, a profile of the one of the first or second arms that includesthe first bend, the second bend, and the third bend changing between aconvex shape and a concave shape at each of the first and secondinflection points.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein application of acompressive load between the distal end and the proximal end of at leastone of the first arm and the second arm decreases a length between theproximal end and the distal end along an axis between.
 4. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein application of a compressive load between the distalend and the proximal end of at least one of the first arm and the secondarm causes the at least one of the first arm and the second arm tocompress similar to a spring.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein atleast one of the first arm and the second arm has an S-shape along itslength.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first arm is longerrelative to the second arm.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thefirst arm has a length of 9.6 inches as measured along a straight linepositioned between the center of the connector and the distal end of thefirst arm, and wherein the second arm has a length of 6.8 inches asmeasured along a straight line positioned between the center of theconnector and the distal end of the second arm.
 8. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the first contact member is integrally formed with thefirst arm and the second contact member is integrally formed with thesecond arm.
 9. A golf swing aid apparatus for use with a golf club tomaintain positions of a left forearm and a right forearm of a golferrelative to the golf club throughout one or more portions of abackswing, a downswing, and a follow-through, the golf club including atleast a shaft and a grip, the apparatus comprising: a connectorconfigured to attach to the shaft or the grip and having a firstreceiver and a second receiver; a first arm having a proximal end, adistal end, and a first plurality of bends disposed therebetween, theproximal end being configured to couple to the first receiver; a secondarm having a proximal end, a distal end, and a second plurality of bendsdisposed therebetween, the proximal end being configured to couple tothe second receiver; a first contact member supported by the distal endof the first arm and configured to contact the left forearm; and asecond contact member supported by the distal end of the second arm andconfigured to contact the right forearm, at least one of the firstplurality of bends and the second plurality of bends together forming anS-shape.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein application of acompressive load between the distal end and the proximal end of at leastone of the first arm and the second arm causes at least one of the firstplurality of bends or one of the second plurality of bends to compresssimilar to a spring.
 11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein an anglebetween the first and second arms is configured to be 43 degrees whenthe first and second arms are connected to the connector.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 9, wherein the apparatus is configured to beassembled for at least one of a right-handed or a left-handed golfer.13. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the first arm extends 4.0 to 6.0inches in a first direction away from the connector and 7.2 to 9.2inches in a second direction away from the connector, the seconddirection perpendicular to the first direction, and wherein the secondarm extends 4.3 to 6.3 inches in a first direction away from theconnector and 3.2 to 5.2 inches in a second direction away from theconnector, the second direction perpendicular to the first direction.14. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the first and second arms eachcomprise at least three bends between the proximal and distal ends. 15.A golf swing aid apparatus for use with a golf club to maintainpositions of a left forearm and a right forearm of a golfer relative tothe golf club throughout one or more portions of a backswing, adownswing, and a follow-through, the golf club including at least ashaft and a grip, the apparatus comprising: a connector configured toattach to the shaft or the grip and having a first receiver and a secondreceiver; a first arm having a proximal end, a distal end, and a firstplurality of bends disposed therebetween, the proximal end beingconfigured to couple to the first receiver; a second arm having aproximal end, a distal end, and a second plurality of bends disposedtherebetween, the proximal end being configured to couple to the secondreceiver; a first contact member supported by the distal end of thefirst arm and configured to contact the left forearm; and a secondcontact member supported by the distal end of the second arm andconfigured to contact the right forearm, at least one of the firstplurality of bends and the second plurality of bends including aplurality of inflection points arranged along a length of the respectivefirst or second arm so that a profile of the respective first or secondarm changes between a convex shape and a concave shape at each of theplurality of inflection points.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, whereinthe first contact member is disposed at a first angle from the connectorand the second contact member is disposed at a second angle from theconnector, the second angle different from the first angle, the firstangle comprising 45 to 70 degrees and the second angle comprising 25 to50 degrees.
 17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the first and secondcontact members are configured to contact the first and second forearmsthroughout portions of a golf swing executed with proper form, the golfswing comprising a set-up stage, a backswing stage, a down swing stage,a contact stage, a follow-through stage, and the transitions between thestages, the first and second forearms configured to contact the firstand second forearms at least during a portion of the backswing stage,the downswing stage, and the follow-through stage.
 18. The apparatus ofclaim 15, wherein the first and second arms are integrally formed withthe connector.
 19. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein a ratio between alength of the first arm and a length of the second arm comprises 1.2 to1.6.
 20. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the first contact member isattached to the first arm at 80 to 100 degrees and the second contactmember is attached to the second arm at 80 to 100 degrees.